Grade
304 stainless steel is generally regarded as the most common austenitic stainless steel. It contains high nickel content that is typically between 8 and 10.5 percent by weight and a high amount of chromium at approximately 18 to 20 percent by weight. Other major alloying elements include manganese, silicon, and carbon. The remainder of the chemical composition is primarily iron.
The high amounts of chromium and nickel give
304 stainless steel excellent corrosion resistance. Common applications of
304 stainless steel include:
- Appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers
- Commercial food processing equipment
- Fasteners
- Piping
- Heat exchangers
- Structures in environments that would corrode standard carbon steel.
316 Stainless Steel
Similar to
304, Grade 316 stainless steel has high amounts of chromium and nickel.
316 also contains silicon, manganese, and carbon, with the majority of the composition being iron. A major difference between
304 and 316 stainless steel is the chemical composition, with
316 containing a significant amount of molybdenum; typically 2 to 3 percent by weight vs only trace amounts found in
304. The higher molybdenum content results in grade
316 possessing increased corrosion resistance.
316 stainless steel is often considered one of the most suitable choices when selecting an austenitic stainless steel for marine applications. Other common applications of
316 stainless steel include:
- Chemical processing and storage equipment.
- Refinery equipment
- Medical devices
- Marine environments, especially those with chlorides present
Which Should You Use: Grade 304 or Grade 316?
Here are some situations where 304 stainless steel may be the better choice:
- The application requires excellent formability. The higher molybdenum content in Grade 316 can have adverse effects on formability.
- The application has cost concerns. Grade 304 is typically more affordable than Grade 316.
- Here are some situations where 316 stainless steel may be the better choice:
- The environment includes a high amount of corrosive elements.
- The material will be placed underwater or be exposed to water consistently.
- In applications where greater strength and hardness are required.
How do you know you’re getting 316 stainless steel instead of 304 stainless steel?
You can’t tell just by looking at it. There’s no visible difference between two identical pieces of sheet metal, a polished or grained the exact same way. That’s why you need a material test report (MTR) of the actual material to validate it as being
304 or 316. We make sure we get one with every shipment we receive at Nema Enclosures so that we can assure our customers that the enclosure and its parts are constructed of the exact
stainless steel material, as specified and ordered. Some small parts such as clamps and mounting feet, constructed of
316 stainless steel are specifically marked, in this case a number 6 within a circle, as shown in the photo above
304 /316 Products
304 / 316 Pipes
304 / 316 Tubes
304 / 316 Sheet, Plates, Coils
304 / 316 Buttweld Fittings
304 / 316 Forged Fittings
304 / 316 Tube Fittings
304 / 316 Fasteners Fittings
304 / 316 Flanges Fittings
About Philips Metal Industries
Philips Metal is a trusted manufacturer, supplier & exporter of
steel pipe, tube butt-weld fittings, forged fittings, tube fitting, flanges, fasteners, round bar, olets, sheet, plate & coils in India.
We believe we are OIL and GAS SECTOR SPECIALIST because of our experience in dealing with OIL Companies. Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation, Kuwait Oil Company, Indian Oil, Reliance Industries Limited and refineries in Egypt and gulf region is where we have proudly executed special Orders. We have also abundant experience in dealing with EPC companies across the world.
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